How long does cooked fish last in the fridge?
Cooked fish lasts 3–4 days in the fridge and 4–6 months in the freezer. Raw fish is more delicate: cook or freeze it within 1–2 days.
Day by day in the fridge
- Day 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Storage times by type
| Type | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked fish / seafood | 3–4 days | 4–6 months |
| Raw lean fish (cod, tilapia) | 1–2 days | 6–8 months |
| Raw fatty fish (salmon) | 1–2 days | 2–3 months |
| Raw shrimp | 1–2 days | 3–6 months |
Signs it has gone bad
- Strong sour or ammonia smell (beyond a mild fishy smell)
- Slimy or milky film
- Mushy texture that falls apart
- Grey or dull color
No signs doesn't mean safe. Food-poisoning bacteria usually don't change smell or look, so go by time.
How to store it
- Keep raw fish in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally on ice.
- Cook fish to 145°F (63°C) until it flakes easily.
- Reheat leftovers gently to 165°F (74°C), or eat cooked fish cold in salads.
Check yours
Questions people ask
Is cooked salmon good after 4 days?
Day 4 is the end of the recommended window. Eat it that day or freeze it. After 4 days, throw it out.
Can I tell if fish is bad by smell?
A strong sour or ammonia smell means it has spoiled. But a normal smell does not prove it is safe, so still follow the 3–4 day rule.
Can you freeze cooked shrimp?
Yes. Cooked shrimp freezes well for 3–6 months. Thaw it in the fridge and use it within 1–2 days.
Sources
General food safety information, not medical advice. Times assume a fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below and a freezer at 0°F (-18°C). If you're pregnant, older, very young or immunocompromised, follow stricter limits.